WRECK OF THE CITY OF AUCKLAND.
The special reporter of the ‘ Evening Post ’ gleaned the following particulars regarding the wreck from the first mate of the vessel: — The City of Auckland was owned partly by Messrs Stewart and Simpson, London, and partly by Mr Seccomhe, brewer, of Auckland. She left London on the IBth July, with general cargo consigned to the New Zealand Shipping Company, Napier. Called in at Plymouth on 24th July, and embarked 256 immigrants. Sailed the following morning, and had fine weather and an uneventful passage until sighting Cape Farewell on Tuesday morning at ten o’clock. Held on to the land as the weather was very thick, raining and blowing hard from S.W. Sighted Kapiti about seven o’clock on Tuesday night, but took it for Stephen’s Island, and altered her course so as to run through Cook’s Straits. The ship was running under her topsails, and at 9.45 on Tuesday night she was stranded, immediately opposite the village of Otaki, and close to the wreck of the Felixstowe. The port anchor was let go, and'at daylight all souls were landed in the ship’s boats. The whole landing, from first to last, was effected in perfect order, and without the slightest casualty, although, as might be imagined, there were several narrow escapes. The immigrants landed in good humor and spirits, and all the women and children were got ashore without even wetting their feet. Captain Rolls remained on board the vessel until everything was taken off, and was the last man to leave the ship. The women and children were all housed in the Maori College soon after 5 p.m,, the men being lodged in the school, Mr Christie (the schoolmaster) and Messrs Hadfield and Simcox, settlers, supplying provisions and using every effort to make them comfortable. During the day fires were lighted on the beach by the Maoris, and kept up all day, the coal from the Felixstowe coming in very handy. The Maoris, indeed, exerted themselves all day in a manner which deserves the higest praise, and were very liberal and hospitable in their offers of food to the castaways. The English settlers also turned out to a man, and gave all the assistance in their power. None seemed to think of himself, all apparently being utterly absorbed in their humane zeal. Stores and provisions were being brought ashore from the ship all yesterday. There are no hopes of the vessel being got off, as she is high up on the shore, nor is it expected that she will break up. All the cargo can be saved. Captain Fairchild says that at least a dozen vessels every year mistake Kapiti for Stephen’s. Island, and only perceive their mistake just in the nick of time to avoid shipwreck. Twelve years ago, when the rush was on to Hokitika, many coasters were lost at this place, as a strong wind blows on the coast thirty days out of every month, and there is also a strong ocean current to the southward. He advises that lights should be erected on Kapiti and Stephen’s Islands. The Robina Dunlop was the first big vessel lost twelve months ago, and it is reckoned that on the Hydrabad, Felixstowe, and City of Auckland, all lost in one neighborhood within the last three months, there has been over £IIO,OOO of insurance.
[By Telegraph,] V Otaki, Oct. 28. The City of Auckland is still in the same position. The ship’s crew, and a party of Natives, under the guidance of an old whaler, are busy dismantling thq ship, and discharging the immigrants’ luggage. Active operations under Captains Bendall and Hall will be commenced at once to discharge the cargo, which it is believed will be landed in first-class order, as the City has made but little water as yet. A Customhouse officer, with a party of constables, are camped on the beach, and will guard the cargo when landed until carted for shipment to Foxton.
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Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 91, 30 October 1878, Page 3
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660WRECK OF THE CITY OF AUCKLAND. Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 91, 30 October 1878, Page 3
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